I love to give! This year, as I gear up for another holiday shopping season, I am making an effort to support small business owners, and I encourage YOU to do the same.

You can shop locally in your hometown, search for local Etsy sellers, or pay extra special attention to your Instagram and Facebook feeds for those friends and family members with a small business, or side hustle – Like ME! 🙂

Here’s a short list of small businesses I have met during my Studio Eighty Seven venture, and more that I love in New England.

1. Quite Fetching – Grafton, MAI recommend:Flower’s FavoritesMy family does not include a fur baby, but I have many close friends and family members who have dogs, love dogs, and are proud to say they are a grandparent to a Grandpuppy or Granddoggy. Quite Fetching, not only carries a unique line of FunAndAwkward cards (shameless plug, yes), but they are head-over-heels passionate about what they do. They bake their own human grade dog treats, carry a variety of barkery items for their customers, and also stock punny gifts for your favorite four-legged friends and their owners.

2. Off The Common Antiques – Grafton, MAI recommend: Visiting on Wednesdays – they are open until 8pm!I am a sucker for a good co-op antique store. You just can’t beat the variety, and you never know what you’ll find. If you like the Crompton Collective in Worcester than don’t miss the opportunity to check out this new spot in Grafton. Always something interesting to see, and a great place to find a unique gift.

No online shop, this one is strictly brick and mortar. You can visit their Facebook page for hours and general information.

3. Grafton Country Store – Grafton, MAI recommend: A Mantraband & the black raspberry ice cream.If you have ever driven through the Grafton Common you probably noticed this place. Next time, stop in for a coffee, or an ice cream cone, and browse this charming collection of art, collectibles, and gifts. From the outside you might be expecting a primitive New England motif, but no. The owner carries unique items that will sure to hit a number of people on your list – Mom, Grandma, your best friend, etc. They pride themselves on carrying American made items, and items crafted by local artisans. Plus, did I mention they have ice cream?

Check our their website, or visit their Facebook page for more information on the brands they carry.

4. Jennie Backstrom, Essential Oils & Yoga – Central MassachusettsI recommend: The essential oils. Email Jennie for details on how to purchase.Jennie is someone, who once you meet, you never forget. She’s a talented musician and singer, a yoga instructor, and an essential oil aficionado. Jennie and I met through a mutual friend, and now share a kinship as small business owners, and multi-tasking mama’s to James and Kelo.

Jennie offers corporate and private yoga sessions, teaches public classes at a handful of Central Mass studios, and sells DoTerra Essential Oils. You can give the gift of wellness from an absolute PRO. Visit her website for more information.

5. Daytrip Society & Daytrip Society Jr. – Kennebunkport, MEI recommend:The Daytrip Society Kid’s Book CollectionSteve and I visit Kennebunkport once a year. We visit between Halloween and Thanksgiving to avoid the busy summer months and we LOVE IT THERE. One of the reasons I love it is because of the shopping. Particularly shopping at these two little stores in the heart of Dock Square. I literally spend at least an hour browsing the thoughtful, beautiful, adventurous, and very New England inventory. I always find gifts. Sometimes for someone I least expect.

You can visit Kennebunkport to shop these two stores in person, which I highly recommend, or you can visit their website.

6. Gus & Ruby Letterpress – Portsmouth, NH & Portland, MEI recommend:The New Hampshire State PrintSame charm. Different quaint New England village. Similar to my love affair with Daytrip, Gus & Ruby also hold a special place in my heart. Owned by two women with an affinity for letterpress, and whom I admire, Gus & Ruby is another treasure trove of beautiful artwork and gifts that you can get lost in. Buy for baby, sister, mom, mother-in-law, you name it.

You can visit Gus & Ruby in Portsmouth, or their new store in Portland. I have also been known to find that perfect gift on their website.

7. Beacon Blessings – Oxford, MEI recommend:The Cranberry SauceFacebook can be a curse, but also a blessing in disguise. It has allowed the world to stay in touch with people from the past. Crystal and I met as kids on the shores of Saturday Pond in Otisfield, ME, and now, we are both passionate small business owners and a mom to boys. She’s working her butt off to produce the best locally sourced sauces, jams, and jellies Maine has to offer.

8. Rachel Labbe, LuLaRoe – Waltham, MAI recommend: The Disney line. SO cute.You’ve probably heard of LuLaRoe. In fact, chances are you have a friend on Facebook who is toting these comfy, colorful leggings to all their friends and followers. If you don’t – then I ask you to support mine! Rachel is beyond enthusiastic about her new business venture, and always seem to have the most current and up-to-date styles. She holds an event every Sunday evening on her Facebook page – shop in your pajamas without leaving the couch! LuLaRoe makes a great gift for a new or expecting Mom, or the fiercest, middle school fashionista on your list.